Med Surg Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions and Answers 2023

Med Surg Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions and Answers 2023 The nurse is monitoring a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis who is scheduled for surgery in 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increased abdominal pain and begins to vomit. On assessment, the nurse notes that the abdomen is distended and bowel sounds are diminished. Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention? A. Notify the health care provider (HCP). B. Administer the prescribed pain medication. C. Call and ask the operating room team to perform surgery as soon as possible. D. Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on the warm setting to the client's abdomen. A. Notify the health care provider (HCP). Rationale: On the basis of the signs and symptoms presented in the question, the nurse should suspect peritonitis and notify the HCP. Administering pain medication is not an appropriate intervention. Heat should never be applied to the abdomen of a client with suspected appendicitis because of the risk of rupture. Scheduling surgical time is not within the scope of nursing practice, although the HCP probably would perform the surgery earlier than the prescheduled time. A client has just had a hemorrhoidectomy. Which nursing interventions are appropriate for this client? Select all that apply. A. Administer stool softeners as prescribed. B. Instruct the client to limit fluid intake to avoid urinary retention. C. Encourage a high-fiber diet to promote bowel movements without straining. D. Apply cold packs to the anal-rectal area over the dressing until the packing is removed. E. Help the client to a Fowler's position to place pressure on the rectal area and decrease bleeding. A. Administer stool softeners as prescribed. C. Encourage a high-fiber diet to promote bowel movements without straining. D. Apply cold packs to the anal-rectal area over the dressing until the packing is removed. Rationale: Nursing interventions after a hemorrhoidectomy are aimed at management of pain and avoidance of bleeding and incision rupture. Stool softeners and a high-fiber diet will help the client to avoid straining, thereby reducing the chances of rupturing the incision. An ice pack will increase comfort and decrease bleeding. Options 2 and 5 are incorrect interventions. The nurse is planning to teach a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) about substances to avoid. Which items should the nurse include on this list? Select all that apply. A. Coffee B. Chocolate C. Peppermint D. Nonfat milk E. Fried chicken F. Scrambled eggs A. Coffee B. Chocolate C. Peppermint E. Fried chicken Rationale: Foods that decrease lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and irritate the esophagus will increase reflux and exacerbate the symptoms of GERD and therefore should be avoided. Aggravating substances include coffee, chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods, carbonated beverages, and alcohol. Options 4 and 6 do not promote this effect. A client has undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The nurse should place highest priority on which item as part of the client's care plan? 1. Monitoring the temperature 2. Monitoring complaints of heartburn 3. Giving warm gargles for a sore throat 4. Assessing for the return of the gag reflex 4. Assessing for the return of the gag reflex Rationale: The nurse places highest priority on assessing for return of the gag reflex. This assessment addresses the client's airway. The nurse also monitors the client's vital signs and for a sudden increase in temperature, which could indicate perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. This complication would be accompanied by other signs as well, such as pain. Monitoring for sore throat and heartburn are also important; however, the client's airway is the priority. The nurse is providing dietary teaching for a client with a diagnosis of chronic gastritis. The nurse instructs the client to include which foods rich in vitamin B12 in the diet? Select all that apply. A. Nuts B. Corn C. Liver D. Apples E. Lentils F. Bananas A. Nuts C. Liver E. Lentils Rationale: Chronic gastritis causes deterioration and atrophy of the lining of the stomach, leading to the loss of function of the parietal cells. The source of intrinsic factor is lost, which results in an inability to absorb vitamin B12, leading to development of pernicious anemia. Clients must increase their intake of vitamin B12 by increasing consumption of foods rich in this vitamin, such as nuts, organ meats, dried beans, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, and yeast. The nurse is monitoring a client with a diagnosis of peptic ulcer. Which assessment finding would most likely indicate perforation of the ulcer? A. Bradycardia B. Numbness in the legs C. Nausea and vomiting D. A rigid, boardlike abdomen D. A rigid, boardlike abdomen Rationale: Perforation of an ulcer is a surgical emergency and is characterized by sudden, sharp, intolerable severe pain beginning in the mid-epigastric area and spreading over the abdomen, which becomes rigid and boardlike. Nausea and vomiting may occur. Tachycardia may occur as hypovolemic shock develops. Numbness in the legs is not an associated finding. The nurse is caring for a client following a gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II procedure). Which postoperative prescription should the nurse question and verify? A. Leg exercises B. Early ambulation C. Irrigating the nasogastric tube D. Coughing and deep-breathing exercises C. Irrigating the nasogastric tube Rationale: In a gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II procedure), the proximal remnant of the stomach is anastomosed to the proximal jejunum. Patency of the nasogastric tube is critical for preventing the retention of gastric secretions. The nurse should never irrigate or reposition the gastric tube after gastric surgery, unless specifically prescribed by the health care provider. In this situation, the nurse should clarify the prescription. Options 1, 2, and 4 are appropriate postoperative interventions. The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client following gastrectomy and should instruct the client to take which measure to assist in preventing dumping syndrome? A. Ambulate following a meal. B. Eat high-carbohydrate foods. C. Limit the fluids taken with meals. D. Sit in a high Fowler's position during meals. C. Limit the fluids taken with meals. Rationale: Dumping syndrome is a term that refers to a constellation of vasomotor symptoms that occurs after eating, especially following a gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II procedure). Early manifestations usually occur within 30 minutes of eating and include vertigo, tachycardia, syncope, sweating, pallor, palpitations, and the desire to lie down. The nurse should instruct the client to decrease the amount of fluid taken at meals and to avoid high-carbohydrate foods, including fluids such as fruit nectars; to assume a low Fowler's position during meals; to lie down for 30 minutes after eating to delay gastric emptying; and to take antispasmodics as prescribed. The nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease about dietary measures to implement during exacerbation episodes. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further instruction? A. "I should increase the fiber in my diet." B. "I will need to avoid caffeinated beverages." C. "I'm going to learn some stress reduction techniques." D. "I can have exacerbations and remissions with Crohn's disease." A. "I should increase the fiber in my diet." Rationale: Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease that can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract but most often affects the terminal ileum and leads to thickening and scarring, a narrowed lumen, fistulas, ulcerations, and abscesses. It is characterized by exacerbations and remissions. If stress increases the symptoms of the disease, the client is taught stress management techniques and may require additional counseling. The client is taught to avoid gastrointestinal stimulants containing caffeine and to follow a high-calorie and high-protein diet. A low-fiber diet may be prescribed, especially during periods of exacerbation. The nurse is doing an admission assessment on a client with a history of duodenal ulcer. To determine whether the problem is currently active, the nurse should assess the client for which sign(s)/symptom(s) of duodenal ulcer? A. Weight loss B. Nausea and vomiting C. Pain relieved by food intake D. Pain radiating down the right arm C. Pain relieved by food intake Rationale: A frequent symptom of duodenal ulcer is pain that is relieved by food intake. These clients generally describe the pain as a burning, heavy, sharp, or "hungry" pain that often localizes in the mid-epigastric area. The client with duodenal ulcer usually does not experience weight loss or nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are more typical in the client with a gastric ulcer. A client with hiatal hernia chronically experiences heartburn following meals. The nurse should plan to teach the client to avoid which action because it is contraindicated with a hiatal hernia? A. Lying recumbent following meals B. Consuming small, frequent, bland meals C. Taking H2-receptor antagonist medication D. Raising the head of the bed on 6-inch (15 cm) blocks A. Lying recumbent following meals Rationale: Hiatal hernia is caused by a protrusion of a portion of the stomach above the diaphragm where the esophagus usually is positioned. The client usually experiences pain from reflux caused by ingestion of irritating foods, lying flat following meals or at night, and eating large or fatty meals. Relief is obtained with the intake of small, frequent, and bland meals; use of H2-receptor antagonists and antacids; and elevation of the thorax following meals and during sleep. The nurse is providing care for a client with a recent transverse colostomy. Which observation requires immediate notification of the health care provider? A. Stoma is beefy red and shiny B. Purple discoloration of the stoma C. Skin excoriation around the stoma D. Semi-formed stool noted in the ostomy pouch B. Purple discoloration of the stoma Rationale: Ischemia of the stoma would be associated with a dusky or bluish or purple color. A beefy red and shiny stoma is normal and expected. Skin excoriation needs to be addressed and treated but does not require as immediate attention as purple discoloration of the stoma. Semi-formed stool is a normal finding. A client had a new colostomy created 2 days earlier and is beginning to pass malodorous flatus from the stoma. What is the correct interpretation by the nurse? A. This is a normal, expected event. B. The client is experiencing early signs of ischemic bowel. C. The client should not have the nasogastric tube removed. D. This indicates inadequate preoperative bowel preparation. A. This is a normal, expected event. Rationale: As peristalsis returns following creation of a colostomy, the client begins to pass malodorous flatus. This indicates returning bowel function and is an expected event. Within 72 hours of surgery, the client should begin passing stool via the colostomy. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect interpretations. A client has just had surgery to create an ileostomy. The nurse assesses the client in the immediate postoperative period for which most frequent complication of this type of surgery? A. Folate deficiency B. Malabsorption of fat C. Intestinal obstruction D. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance D. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance Rationale: A frequent complication that occurs following ileostomy is fluid and electrolyte imbalance. The client requires constant monitoring of intake and output to prevent this from occurring. Losses require replacement by intravenous infusion until the client can tolerate a diet orally. Intestinal obstruction is a less frequent complication. Fat malabsorption and folate deficiency are complications that could occur later in the postoperative period. The nurse provides instructions to a client about measures to treat inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching? A. "I need to limit my intake of dietary fiber." B. "I need to drink plenty, at least 8 to 10 cups daily." C. "I need to eat regular meals and chew my food well." D. "I will take the prescribed medications because they will regulate my bowel patterns." A. "I need to limit my intake of dietary fiber." Rationale: IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that causes chronic or recurrent diarrhea, constipation, and/or abdominal pain and bloating. Dietary fiber and bulk help to produce bulky, soft stools and establish regular bowel elimination habits. Therefore, the client should consume a high-fiber diet. Eating regular meals, drinking 8 to 10 cups of liquid a day, and chewing food slowly help to promote normal bowel function. Medication therapy depends on the main symptoms of IBS. Bulk-forming laxatives or antidiarrheal agents or other agents may be prescribed. The nurse is monitoring a client for the early signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome. Which findings indicate this occurrence? A. Sweating and pallor B. Bradycardia and indigestion C. Double vision and chest pain D. Abdominal cramping and pain A. Sweating and pallor Rationale: Early manifestations of dumping syndrome occur 5 to 30 minutes after eating. Symptoms include vertigo, tachycardia, syncope, sweating, pallor, palpitations, and the desire to lie down. The nurse inspects the color of the drainage from a nasogastric tube on a postoperative client approximately 24 hours after gastric surgery. Which finding indicates the need to notify the health care provider (HCP)? A. Dark red drainage B. Dark brown drainage C. Green-tinged drainage D. Light yellowish-brown drainage A. Dark red drainage Rationale: For the first 12 hours after gastric surgery, the nasogastric tube drainage may be dark brown to dark red. Later, the drainage should change to a light yellowish-brown color. The presence of bile may cause a green tinge. The HCP should be notified if dark red drainage, a sign of hemorrhage, is noted 24 hours postoperatively. The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Which laboratory result should the nurse expect to note if the client does have appendicitis? A. Leukopenia with a shift to the left B. Leukocytosis with a shift to the left C. Leukopenia with a shift to the right D. Leukocytosis with a shift to the right B. Leukocytosis with a shift to the left Rationale: Laboratory findings do not establish the diagnosis of appendicitis, but there is often an elevation of the white blood cell count (leukocytosis) with a shift to the left (an increased number of immature white blood cells). Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect because they are not associated findings in acute appenditis. After undergoing Billroth I gastric surgery, the client experiences fatigue and complains of numbness and tingling in the feet and difficulties with balance. On the basis of these symptoms, the nurse suspects which postoperative complication? A. Stroke B. Pernicious anemia C. Bacterial meningitis D. Peripheral arterial disease B. Pernicious anemia Rationale: Billroth I surgery involves removing one half to two thirds of the stomach and reanastomosing the remaining segment of the stomach to the duodenum. With the loss of this much of the stomach, development of pernicious anemia is not uncommon. Pernicious anemia is a macrocytic anemia that most commonly is caused by the lack of intrinsic factor. During a Billroth I procedure, a large portion of the parietal cells, which are responsible for producing intrinsic factor (a necessary component for vitamin B12 absorption), are removed. In this anemia, the red blood cell is larger than usual and hence does not last as long in the circulation as normal red blood cells do, causing the client to have anemia with resultant fatigue. Vitamin B12 also is necessary for normal nerve function. Because of the lack of the necessary intrinsic factor, persons with pernicious anemia also experience paresthesias, impaired gait, and impaired balance. Although the symptoms could possibly indicate the other options listed, pernicious anemia is the most logical based on the surgery the client underwent. A client experiencing chronic dumping syndrome makes the following comments to the nurse. Which one indicates the need for further teaching? A. "I eat at least 3 large meals each day." B. "I eat while lying in a semirecumbent position." C. "I have eliminated taking liquids with my meals." D. "I eat a high-protein, low- to moderate-carbohydrate diet." A. "I eat at least 3 large meals each day." Rationale: Dumping syndrome describes a group of symptoms that occur after eating. It is believed to result from rapid dumping of gastric contents into the small intestine, which causes fluid to shift into the intestine. Signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome include diarrhea, abdominal distention, sweating, pallor, palpitations, and syncope. To manage this syndrome, clients are encouraged to decrease the amount of food taken at each sitting, eat in a semirecumbent position, eliminate ingesting fluids with meals, and avoid consumption of high-carbohydrate meals. The nurse obtains an admission history for a client with suspected peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Which client factor documented by the nurse would increase the risk for PUD? A. Recently retired from a job B. Significant other has a gastric ulcer C. Occasionally drinks 1 cup of coffee in the morning D. Takes nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for osteoarthritis D. Takes nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for osteoarthritis Rationale: Risk factors for PUD include Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking (nicotine), chewing tobacco, corticosteroids, aspirin, NSAIDs, caffeine, alcohol, and stress. When an NSAID is taken as often as is typical for osteoarthritis, it will cause problems with the stomach. Certain medical conditions such as Crohn's disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and hepatic and biliary disease also can increase the risk for PUD by changing the amount of gastric and biliary acids produced. Recent retirement should decrease stress levels rather than increase them. Ulcer disease in a first-degree relative also is associated with increased risk for an ulcer. A significant other is not a first-degree relative; therefore, no genetic connection is noted in this relationship. Although caffeinated drinks are a known risk factor for PUD, the option states that the client drinks 1 cup of coffee occasionally. A client who has undergone gastric surgery has a nasogastric (NG) tube connected to low intermittent suction that is not draining properly. Which action should the nurse take initially? A. Call the surgeon to report the problem. B. Reposition the NG tube to the proper location. C. Check the suction device to make sure it is working. D. Irrigate the NG tube with saline to remove the obstruction. C. Check the suction device to make sure it is working. Rationale: After gastric surgery, the client will have an NG tube in place until bowel function returns. It is important for the NG tube to drain properly to prevent abdominal distention and vomiting. The nurse must ensure that the NG tube is attached to suction at the level prescribed and that the suction device is working correctly. The tip of the NG tube may be placed near the suture line. Because of this possibility, the nurse should never reposition the NG tube or irrigate it. If the NG tube needs to be repositioned, the nurse should call the surgeon, who would do this repositioning under fluoroscopy. The nurse is caring for a client with ulcerative colitis. Which finding does the nurse determine is consistent with this diagnosis? A. Hypercalcemia B. Hypernatremia C. Frothy, fatty stools D. Decreased hemoglobin D. Decreased hemoglobin Rationale: Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the large colon. Findings associated with ulcerative colitis include diarrhea with up to 10 to 20 liquid bloody stools per day, weight loss, anorexia, fatigue, increased white blood cell count, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, dehydration, hyponatremia, and hypokalemia (not hypercalcemia). Because of the loss of blood, clients with ulcerative colitis commonly have decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Clients with ulcerative colitis have bloody diarrhea, not steatorrhea (fatty, frothy, foul-smelling stools). A client with acute ulcerative colitis requests a snack. Which is the most appropriate snack for this client? A. Carrots and ranch dip B. Whole-grain cereal and milk C. A cup of popcorn and a cola drink D. Applesauce and a graham cracker D. Applesauce and a graham cracker Rationale: The diet for the client with ulcerative colitis should be low fiber (low residue). The nurse should avoid providing foods such as whole-wheat grains, nuts, and fresh fruits or vegetables. Typically, lactose-containing foods also are poorly tolerated. The client also should avoid caffeine, pepper, and alcohol. The nurse is teaching an older client about measures to prevent constipation. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching? A. "I walk 1 to 2 miles every day." B. "I need to decrease fiber in my diet." C. "I have a bowel movement every other day." D. "I drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day." B. "I need to decrease fiber in my diet." Rationale: An older client has an increased tendency to experience constipation because of decreased stomach-emptying time and a lowered basal metabolic rate. Adequate dietary fiber is an important factor in aiding bowel function. Dietary fiber increases fecal weight and water content and accelerates the transit of fecal mass through the gastrointestinal tract. The retention of water by the fiber has the ability to soften stools and promote regularity. Fluid intake and exercise also facilitate bowel elimination. The nurse is caring for a client after abdominal surgery and creation of a colostomy. The nurse is assessing the client for a prolapsed stoma and should expect to note which observation if this is present? A. A sunken and hidden stoma B. A narrow and flattened stoma C. A stoma that is dusky or bluish D. A stoma that is elongated with a swollen appearance D. A stoma that is elongated with a swollen appearance Rationale: A prolapsed stoma is one in which the bowel protrudes, causing an elongated and swollen appearance of the stoma. A retracted stoma is characterized by sinking of the stoma. A stoma with a narrow opening is described as being stenosed. Ischemia of the stoma would be associated with a dusky or bluish color. The nurse is providing instructions to a client with a colostomy about measures to reduce the odor from the colostomy. Which client statement indicates that the educational session was effective? A. "I should be sure to eat at least 1 cucumber every day." B. "Beet greens, parsley, or yogurt will help to control the colostomy odor." C. "I will need to increase my egg intake and try to eat ½ to 1 egg per day." D. "Green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli will prevent odor, and I should eat these foods every day." B. "Beet greens, parsley, or yogurt will help to control the colostomy odor." Rationale: The client should be taught to include deodorizing foods in the diet, such as beet greens, parsley, buttermilk, and yogurt. Spinach also may reduce odor, but it is a gas-forming food and should be avoided. Cucumbers, eggs, and broccoli also are gas-forming foods and should be avoided or limited by the client. The nurse has provided dietary instructions to a client with a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease. Which client statement indicates that education was effective? A. "Baked foods such as chicken or fish are all right to eat." B. "Citrus fruits and raw vegetables need to be included in my daily diet." C. "I can drink beer as long as I consume only a moderate amount each day." D. "I can drink coffee or tea as long as I limit the amount to 2 cups daily." A. "Baked foods such as chicken or fish are all right to eat." Rationale: Dietary modifications for the client with peptic ulcer disease include eliminating foods that can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Items that should be eliminated or avoided include highly spiced foods, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and citrus fruits. Other foods may be taken according to the client's level of tolerance for that food.